Shanghai Story_A WWII Drama Trilogy Book One by Alexa Kang

Author:Alexa Kang [Kang, Alexa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lakewood Press
Published: 2018-05-17T18:30:00+00:00

Would you be happy?

The question hounded Clark’s mind when the winning smile of the man sitting alone at a table behind Eden broke the spell. When Clark finally recognized him, he raised his glass.

Kenji Konoe. Military attaché to the Japanese consul in Shanghai.

Clark glanced at his own table. Apparently, Tang Wei had spotted the Japanese captain too.

Konoe held out his hand, signaling an empty seat next to him. Discreetly, Clark exchanged a look with Tang Wei. Tang Wei got up and came over to him. “A little selfish of you to keep the lady to yourself all night.” He jokingly slapped Clark on the back.

Taking the cue, Clark let go of Eden. The flood of longing and intoxicating bliss deserted him along with the tantalizing touch of her skin. Only pangs of empty heartache remained.

“May I?” Tang invited Eden to dance.

“Of course.” She gave Tang her hand. A shade of disappointment fleeted past her face.

Clark looked away. He couldn't think about that now. Konoe was seeking him out. It was imperative for him to find out whether it was a coincidence or not. He left them for the Japanese captain.

At Kenji’s table, Clark cordially pulled out the chair. "Konoe-san.”

“Counselor,” Konoe greeted him. “Please. Call me Kenji.” He picked up a bottle of wine and poured some into a clean glass for Clark.

“Thank you,” Clark said, accepting the glass. “What a surprise to see you here.” The Japanese didn’t usually mix with the Western crowd or the Chinese.

“Not my preferred way of spending an evening, I’ll admit. But what can I do? My colleagues need a little release now and then. I’m obliged to accompany them.” He looked over at several Japanese men dancing with sing-song girls in heavy makeup and provocative dresses. In contrast to Konoe’s serene exterior, those men looked drunk. Their dancing steps looked erratic as they stumbled and bowed over laughing at whatever joke the girls were cooing in their ears.

“But you sit here by yourself?” Clark asked.

“I’m married.”

Married? Clark gave him a puzzled look. Being married had never stopped wayward men from wandering about town seeking the pleasure of the company of women.

Konoe’s smile deepened. “In China, we Japanese do have a reputation of being prurient. But personally speaking, lust repulses me. I have my wife, and that is enough.”

Clark did not doubt him. Konoe struck him as someone whose lucid mind would not allow him to succumb to the baser instincts of humanity.

“What about you?” Konoe asked. “What brought you here tonight?”

Clark glanced at Zhou Xuan on the stage. “Her. She’s China’s number one singer. I didn’t want to miss a live performance.”

“Ah.” Konoe ran his finger slowly around the rim of his glass. “Zhou Xuan. She is exceptional. I can’t say I’m a fan of Chinese music. I like Japanese folk music. The ones that tell tales of warriors defeating demons and sending them back to the spirit world. But I do recognize it when I see something extraordinary. Like her.”

Clark took a slow sip of his wine.

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